Motor vehicle sub-assembly

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a sub-assembly for a motor vehicle unit, especially the door unit of a motor vehicle, comprising a support element and a conductor arrangement which is fixed to the support element. According to the invention, at least one fixing section of the conductor arrangement ( 1 ) and one fixing section associated with the support section ( 2 ) are plastically deformed in such a way that they interlink with each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a National Phase Patent Application of InternationalApplication Number PCT/DE02/03158, filed on Aug. 23, 2002, which claimspriority of German Patent Application Number 101 42 835.9, filed on Aug.23, 2001, and German Patent Application Number 102 38 020.1, filed onAug. 20, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a motor vehicle sub-assembly, more particularlya sub-assembly for a motor vehicle door or a door sub-assembly as wellas to a connection of component parts.

A sub-assembly or connection of component parts comprises a flat surfacesupporting element as well as a conductor arrangement fixed on thissupporting element which can serve by way of example to supply currentto electrical components of a vehicle or to send signals.

BACKGROUND

A number of different measures is already known for fixing conductors onelements of a motor vehicle or other supporting elements. One example isthe use of clip elements, which on the one hand engage around the wiringwhich is to be fixed, and on the other engage in an opening of theelement which is used to hold the wiring. The problem with this measureis that in many cases the fixing opening which is associated with theclip element has to be sealed, e.g. if the wiring is to be fixed on asupporting door element (door inner panel or door module support) whichserves to separate the dry space of the vehicle door from the wet spaceof the vehicle door.

From DE 200 14 701 U1 a self-adhesive electric or optic cable is knownwhich can be fixed on a vehicle part by means of an adhesive layer. Forthis the surface area must be sufficiently grease and oil free.

SUMMARY

The invention is concerned with the problem of providing a sub-assemblyof the type already mentioned which in a simple way enables theconductor arrangement to be fixed on a supporting element.

According to this at least one fixing section of the conductor pathassembly and an associated section of the supporting element areplastically deformed so that they engage in each other whereby theconductor arrangement is held on the supporting element. Thus, aconnection is produced by re-shaping the corresponding material sections(joining by re-forming).

The solution according to the invention has the advantage that aconnection between a conductor arrangement and an element supporting theconductor arrangement can be readily produced by common plasticdeformation of a section of the conductor arrangement as well as asection of the supporting element.

The term conductor arrangement is meant to include any conductorconfiguration, thus for example both an individual electrical conductorand a number of electrical conductors mounted side by side on a support.The conductor arrangement can thereby be formed in particular by flatconductors which are mounted in the form of a foil on a flexiblesupport, or by a flexible conductor plate. The solution according to theinvention can be used in particular on different conductor types, e.g.both electrical and optical conductors.

The term supporting element is meant to include any vehicle part, moreparticularly an element of a motor vehicle door on which an electricalconductor arrangement can be fixed.

As a result of the plastic deformation aspect of the invention, thefixing section of the conductor arrangement and the associated sectionof the supporting element interlink with each other preferably withpositive locking action, e.g. by one fixing section engaging withpositive locking action in an undercut section of the other fixingsection.

The two fixing sections can advantageously be deformed and thusinterlink with each other so that neither of the two fixing sectionsforms a through opening. Thus a connection is produced which requires noadditional seal and therefore can be used with particular advantage forfixing an electrical conductor arrangement on a supporting element whichserves to separate a dry space from the wet space of the vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the fixing section of thesupporting element engages in the fixing section of the conductorarrangement. This enables a reliable mechanical connection which canwithstand tension loading and whose strength and stability substantiallydepends on the deformability of the fixing section of the conductorarrangement. By way of example a copper conductor path is formed thickenough for the fixing section of the conductor arrangement to producethe desired strength.

In order to ensure the strength and rigidity substantially independentlyof the quality of the conductor of the conductor arrangement, a furtheraspect of the invention is the use of an additional element whereby atleast one fixing section of the conductor arrangement, an associatedfixing section of the supporting element, and a fixing section of theadditional element are plastically deformed so that the three fixingsections interlink with each other. The additional element is preferablya metal part which in the ideal case guarantees together with the fixingsection of the supporting element a part of the strength of theconnection.

In an embodiment of this aspect of the invention the fixing section ofthe conductor arrangement is an insulation foil which is mounted betweenthe fixing section of the supporting element and the fixing section ofthe conductor arrangement. This has the advantage that in the region ofthe fixing there need be no deformable material since the strength andrigidity of the fixing is substantially produced through the arrangementbetween the two fixing sections of the supporting element and theadditional element.

The fixing section of the conductor arrangement, the associated sectionof the supporting element and that of the additional element interlinkwith each other preferably with positive engagement as a result of theplastic deformation, e.g. by the one fixing section of the supportingelement engaging positively in an undercut section of the fixing sectionof the conductor arrangement and this in turn in an undercut section ofthe fixing section of the additional element.

The additional element is in an advantageous further embodiment of theinvention used in a multiple function as a mechanical element of afunction unit. For example, the additional element can be formed, inaddition to its function for fixing the cable, also as a fixing hook fora door element, preferably a door inside trim.

Further synergy effects are achieved if the additional element isadditionally designed as a holder for fixing a Bowden cable, a rodlinkage or a cable, or as a holding or fixing element for a housing of afunction unit, preferably for an electronics housing.

According to one embodiment of the invention a stamped embossedconnection between the conductor arrangement and the supporting elementcan be produced, for example, by applying a pressing ram on the sectionsof the conductor arrangement provided for fixing on one side and of thesupporting element on the other side (clinching). A matrix associatedwith the ram can thereby serve as an abutment. In a further method stepfurther pressure exerted on the stamped connection makes it possible toenlarge the undercut sections produced and thus to increase the strengthand rigidity.

According to another embodiment of the invention the conductorarrangement can be connected to the supporting element by stampedrivets. The conductor arrangement on the one hand and the supportingelement on the other are thereby deformed in their fixing sectionsthrough the penetrating stamped rivet so that a connection is made.However, the stamped rivet engages in the material of the two fixingsections without passing through these.

The stamped rivet is preferably able to expand so that it engages by itsexpanded end behind at least one of the two fixing sections.

The fixing section of the conductor arrangement can be formed on the onehand directly through one of the conductors (one of the conductor paths)of the conductor arrangement or on the other hand by an element of theconductor arrangement which is different from the conductor paths.

When directly fixing an electrical conductor path on a supportingelement consisting of metal the conductor arrangement must be insulatedfrom the supporting element at least at the fixing points—unless thesupporting element is to be used to ground a conductor path.

The insulation can be ensured by way of example through painting thesurface of the supporting element or through a separate sealing mass. Asupport of non-conductive material such as plastic surrounding theconducting paths of the conductor arrangement can also be used asinsulation.

In order to avoid additional insulation of the conductor arrangement inthe region of the fixing if an electrical conducting path is fixed on aconductive supporting element, in an advantageous embodiment of theinvention an insulation section of the conductor arrangement is used forfixing. The insulation section itself or the additional element canguarantee the desired strength of the connection.

According to another embodiment of the invention the conductorarrangement comprises a fixing web specially provided for fixing theconductor arrangement on the supporting element and which extends nextto the conducting paths of the conductor arrangement and which forms atleast one fixing section of the conductor arrangement or the fixing isproduced through a support of the conductor arrangement.

The connection according to the invention between a conductorarrangement and a supporting element can be used not only for vehiclesub-assemblies but generally for connections between component partsbetween a conductor arrangement and a supporting element. The supportingelement can in this case be formed by any element on which a conductorarrangement can be fixed and which to this extent holds, supports orbears the conductor arrangement at least in part.

Also when using the connection of component parts according to theinvention outside of vehicle sub-assemblies, e.g. for fixing conductorassemblies in household appliances or machines whereby the supportingelement can be formed for example by a housing part, the advantages ofthe invention already mentioned are achieved and the advantageousfurther embodiments of the invention described above can be implemented.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be explained inthe following description of the embodiments with reference to thedrawings.

They show:

FIG. 1 a is a plan view of a conductor arrangement which is connected atseveral fixing points to a supporting element of a vehicle with thefixing sections of the conductor arrangement formed by a separate fixingweb;

FIG. 1 b is a cross-sectional view through the conductor arrangement ofFIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 c is a section of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b inperspective view;

FIG. 2 is a modification of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 a to 1 c wherebythe fixing sections of the conductor arrangement are formed directlythrough a conductor path;

FIGS. 3 a–3 c are three different possibilities for insulating theconductor paths from a supporting element of the vehicle;

FIG. 4 a is a plan view of a conductor arrangement which is connected atseveral fixing points to a supporting element of a vehicle whereby thefixing sections of the conductor arrangement are formed by a plasticsupport of the conductor arrangement;

FIG. 4 b is a cross-sectional view through the conductor arrangement ofFIG. 4 a;

FIG. 4 c is a method step when producing the connection between theconductor arrangement and the supporting element according to FIGS. 4 band 4 c;

FIG. 5 a is a plan view of a conductor arrangement which is connected atseveral fixing points by stamped rivets to a supporting element of avehicle whereby the stamped rivets engage in additional fixing webs ofthe conductor arrangement;

FIG. 5 b is a section of the embodiment of FIG. 5 a in perspective view;

FIG. 6 a a modification of the view of FIG. 5 a whereby the stampedrivets engage in a plastic support of the conductor arrangement;

FIG. 6 b is a section of the conductor arrangement according to FIG. 6a;

FIGS. 7 a–7 c are three different developments of a fixing point throughwhich a conductor arrangement is fixed on a supporting element of avehicle;

FIG. 8 a is a plan view of a conductor arrangement to which a fixing webis linked through which the conductor arrangement can be connected to asupporting element of a vehicle;

FIG. 8 b is a first modification of the embodiment according to FIG. 8a;

FIG. 8 c is a second modification of the embodiment according to FIG. 8a;

FIG. 9 a is a sectional view of a conductor arrangement which is fixedat a fixing point to a supporting element of a motor vehicle;

FIG. 9 b is a sectional view of a conductor arrangement which isconnected at a fixing point through a stamped rivet to a supportingelement of a motor vehicle;

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b are two plan views of a conductor arrangement whichis connected at several fixing points to a supporting element of a motorvehicle whereby fixing sections of additional elements are used;

FIG. 10 c is a section of the embodiment of FIG. 10 b in perspectiveview;

FIG. 10 d is a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 10 c whereby thefixing sections of the supporting element and the additional element areinterchanged in the arrangement;

FIGS. 10 e and 10 f are sectional views of a conductor arrangement whichhas a fixing point with a stamped rivet and additional element;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view through a conductor arrangementaccording to FIG. 1 a which is connected by welding to a supportingelement of a motor vehicle.

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show in plan view and cross-sectional viewrespectively a section of a conductor arrangement 1 which is fixed on asupporting element 2, made of plastic or metal, of a motor vehicle door,e.g. a door module support or door inside panel. The conductorarrangement is a flat conductor which consists of a number of conductorpaths 11 arranged parallel to each other on a flexible support body 10.The flexible support body 10 of plastic thereby completely encloses theconductor paths 11.

On the edges of the flat conductor arrangement 1, a fixing web 12 runson either side parallel to the conductor paths 11 and like the conductorpaths 11 also consists of metal. However, as opposed to the conductorpaths 11, the fixing web 12 serves not for the electrical conducting ofcurrent or signals, but rather solely for fixing the flat conductorarrangement 1 on the supporting element 2 at a number of fixing points3.

The formation of the fixing points 3 can be seen from thecross-sectional view of the conductor paths 11 and supporting element 2in FIG. 1 b as well from the partial sectional perspective view of afixing point 3 in FIG. 1 c.

According to FIGS. 1 b and 1 c the fixing points 3 are each formed byinterlinking material sections (fixing sections 13, 23) of the fixingweb 12 and the supporting element 2. The fixing sections 13, 23 are eachbasically pot-shaped deformations of the material of the fixing web 12and the support element 2, respectively. The fixing section 13 of thefixing web 12 thereby engages behind an undercut section of the fixingsection 23 of the supporting element 2.

The plastic deformations of the fixing sections 13, 23 illustrated inFIGS. 1 b and 1 c can be produced by forced joining (clinching) using apressing ram which in the present embodiment acts on the fixing web 12and through this on the supporting element 2. The pressing ram isassociated with a matrix which is mounted underneath the supportingelement and serves as an abutment for the ram, see also FIG. 4 c.Through the interaction of the pressing ram with the matrix during thestamping process the fixing sections 13, 23 positively engage in eachother as can be seen in FIGS. 1 b and 1 c. The fixing sections 13, 23consequently form a positive locking stamped connection, produced byforced joining or clinching.

If the supporting element 2 consists of plastic then the same can beheated during the forced joining/clinching process.

It can furthermore be seen from FIGS. 1 b and 1 c that neither of thetwo fixing sections 13, 23 forms a through opening so that the relevantfixing point 3 requires no additional seal. The fixing points 3 thus inno way impair any functioning of the supporting element 2 as a wet/dryspace separation in a motor vehicle door.

In order to ensure the desired stability or load bearing capacity of theconnection the fixing web 12 can also be made from a different materialor have a greater thickness than the conductor paths 11 of the flatconductor 1.

FIG. 2 shows a modification of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 a to 1 c inwhich the difference is that the fixing points are not provided onseparate fixing webs but directly on the conductor paths 11 of the flatconductor 1.

When using a supporting element 2 of metal and when creating the stampedconnection at the fixing points 3 by means of forced joining/clinching,a direct contact can occur between the relevant conductor path 11 andthe metal supporting element 2 in the region of the fixing sections 13,23. This contact can be desirable in those cases where a conductor path11 is to be grounded to earth (supporting element 2) through the fixingpoint 13. However, in other cases adequate insulation is also desiredbetween the outer conductor paths 11, which serve for fixing, and thesupporting element 2. In this case the relevant conductor path 11 mustbe insulated from the supporting element 2 so that an electrical contactis also ruled out in the region of the fixing points 3. Examples of thisinsulation are shown in FIGS. 3 a to 3 c.

According to FIG. 3 a the plastic surround 10 serving as support for theflat conductor 1 is configured so that after deformation by means offorced joining/clinching it forms an insulating layer between thecorresponding conductor path 11 and the supporting element 2 as it didprior to deformation. For this the plastic surround is to be madesufficiently stable; thus a sufficiently tear-resistant material is tobe used and/or the plastic surround is to be made a suitable thickness.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 b a coating, for example paint,is provided on the surface of the supporting element 2 facing theconductor path 11 to produce an insulating intermediate layer betweenthe conductor path 11 and the supporting element 2.

According to FIG. 3 c a separate sealing mass 27 can also be mountedbetween the conductor paths 11 and the support element 2.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show a further modification of the embodiment of FIGS.1 a and 1 b whereby, in order to form the fixing points 3 through whichthe flat conductor 1 is fixed on the supporting element 2, a section 14of the support 10 of the flat conductor 1 is deformed together with anassociated section 23 of the supporting element 2. Thus a fixing section14 of the support 10 of the conductor path 11 and an associated fixingsection 23 of the supporting element 1 positively engage in each otherin the manner of a stamped connection.

One example for making a stamped connection of this kind by means offorced joining/clinching is shown in FIG. 4 c and comprises a pressingram S with heating wire H as well as an associated matrix M with heatingdevice H. Through the action of the pressing ram S on the fixing section14 of the support 10 which is made of plastics and on the fixing section23 of the supporting element 2, with the matrix M acting as an abutment,the desired plastic deformation of the fixing sections 14, 23 can beproduced by producing a positive locking stamped embossed connection.The pressing ram S and the matrix M can thereby be optionally arrangedso that the ram S acts either directly on the fixing section 14 of thesupport 10 or conversely directly on the fixing section 23 of thesupporting element 2. The latter corresponds to the arrangement of theram S and the matrix M shown in FIG. 4 c rotated about 180 degrees.

The pressing ram S and/or the matrix M can be heated by means of theheating devices H before acting on the fixing sections 14, 23. This isparticularly advantageous when acting on fixing sections made ofplastic.

The embodiments of the invention illustrated and explained above areeach characterised in that in order to fix a conductor arrangement 1 ona supporting element 2, sections of the conductor arrangement 1 on oneside and of the supporting element 2 on the other are each directlyplastically deformed so that they positively interlink with each other(stamped embossed connection). Additional fixing elements are notrequired in this case.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b a stamped rivet 4 isprovided as an additional fixing means at each fixing point 3. The rivetis thus inserted in each fixing section 13 of an additional fixing web12 of the flat conductor 1, as well in an associated fixing section 23of the supporting element 2, so that its lower section 41 (which isremote from the head 40 of the rivet 4) is spread open so that itengages positively into the fixing sections 13, 23.

Also in this embodiment there are no through openings in the region ofthe fixing points 3 so that this connection also causes no problems whenusing the supporting element 2 as a wet/dry space separation.

Alternatively one of the conductor paths 11 which initially is used tosupply signals or current can also serve directly to form a fixingsection 13. Corresponding measures can be taken here for insulation asexplained with reference to FIGS. 3 a to 3 c.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b represents amodification of the embodiment of FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, namely to theextent that the stamped rivets 4 at the fixing points 3 each engage in afixing section 14 of the plastic support 10 of the flat conductor 1 andin an associated fixing section 23 of the supporting element 2.

FIGS. 7 a to 7 c show in perspective view three further possibledevelopments of a fixing point 3′, 3″, 3′″ through which a conductorarrangement 1 can be connected to a supporting element 2 in the mannerdescribed above. FIG. 7 c shows the fixing point 3′″ both in perspectiveplan view and also in a perspective lower view.

As can be seen from FIGS. 7 a to 7 c the pot-shaped fixing point 3 doesnot need to be formed circular, as is the case with the embodimentspreviously shown. The fixing points 3′, 3″, 3′″ illustrated in FIGS. 7 ato 7 c each have a substantially rectangular base surface wherebyprojections or indentations can additionally be provided in the walls ofthe relevant fixing point. The shape of the relevant fixing point is toa considerable extent determined by the cross-sectional surface area ofthe pressing ram S used to produce the fixing point, see FIG. 4 c. Theinvention can be implemented with any shaped pressing ram provided asufficient deformation of the parts which are to be fixed against eachother is achieved so that they interlink with each other.

FIG. 8 a shows in plan view a conductor arrangement in the form of aflat conductor 1 which has a number of parallel conductor paths 11mounted on a plastic support 10. Furthermore a fixing web 12 is providedwhich serves to fix the flat conductor 1 against a supporting element 2of the motor vehicle. This fixing web 12 has a first web section 12 athrough which the fixing web 12 can be fixed against the supportingelement 2 of the motor vehicle by suitable fixing points (as shown abovewith reference to FIGS. 1 a to 7 c). These fixing points are not shownin FIG. 8 a, which shows the flat conductor 1 and supporting element 2prior to their final connection through fixing points using a suitablepressing ram.

A second web section 12 b of the fixing web 12 which extends next to thefirst web section 12 a and parallel thereto serves to connect the fixingweb 12 to the flat conductor 1, namely to its plastic support 10. Forthis the fixing web 12 has in its second web section 12 b a number ofcircular round holes 120 which are fitted onto corresponding projections100 of the plastic support 10. A positive locking connection is herebyproduced between the fixing web 12 and the plastic support 10 of theflat conductor 1.

The plastic support 10 thereby preferably extends only behind the secondweb section 12 b of the fixing web 12 which serves to connect the fixingweb 12 to the plastic support 10. The first web section 12 a of thefixing web 12 then lies directly on the supporting element 2 so thatafter producing the fixing points according to the invention the firstweb section 12 a of the fixing web 12 at these points directly engagesin a corresponding deformed section of the supporting element 2.

FIG. 8 b shows a modification of the embodiment according to FIG. 8 a inwhich the fixing web 12 has in its second web section 12 b a number ofrectangular openings 120′ which are fitted onto correspondingly shapedprojections 100′ of the plastic support 10 so that a positive lockingconnection is produced.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 8 c the first web section 12 a ofthe fixing web 12 is not formed continuous in the longitudinal directionbut consists of several part sections 12 aa, 12 ab, 12 ac . . . .arranged in succession in the longitudinal direction. From FIG. 8 c itcan be seen particularly clearly that in the region of the first websection 12 a the fixing web 12 lies directly on the supporting element2. This occurs because the plastic support 10 extends only underneaththe second web section 12 b of the fixing web 12 and not underneath thefirst web section 12 a which is placed next to the second web section 12b of the fixing web 12.

FIG. 9 a shows in a sectional view a cut-out section of a conductorarrangement 1 which is fixed on a supporting element 2, made of plasticor metal, of a vehicle door, e.g. a door module support or door insidepanel. The design of the fixing point 3 can be seen from the partialsectional perspective view of a fixing point 3 in FIG. 9 a.

According to FIG. 9 a the fixing points 3 are each formed byinterengaging material sections (fixing sections 13, 23) of the fixingweb 12 and the supporting element 2. The fixing sections 13, 23 are eachbasically pot-shaped deformations of the material of the fixing web 12and of support element 2, respectively. The fixing section 23 of thesupporting element 2 thereby engages behind an undercut section of thefixing section 13 of the fixing web 12.

The plastic deformations of the fixing sections 13, 23 illustrated inFIG. 9 a can be produced by forced joining (clinching) using a pressingram which in the present embodiment acts on the supporting element 2 andthrough this on the fixing web 12. The pressing ram is associated with amatrix which is mounted underneath the supporting element and serves asan abutment for the pressing ram. Through the interaction of the ramwith the matrix during the pressing process the fixing sections 13, 23positively interlink with each other. The fixing sections 13, 23 therebyform a positive locking connection, produced by forced joining orclinching. In order to improve the strength of this connection in afurther processing step, the fixing sections 13, 23 can be furtherdeformed so that the undercut section is enlarged.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 b a stamped rivet 4 is providedas additional fixing means on the fixing point 3. The rivet is thusinserted in a fixing section 23 of the supporting element 2, as well asin an associated fixing section 13 of an additional fixing web 12 of theflat conductor 1, so that its lower section 41 (which is remote from thehead 40 of the stamped rivet 4) is spread out so that it engages withpositive locking action in the fixing sections 13, 23.

Also in this embodiment in the region of the fixing points 3 there areno through openings so that this connection creates no problems whenusing the supporting element 2 as a wet/dry space separation.

The conductor arrangements 1 illustrated in FIGS. 10 a and 10 b are flatconductors which, for example, consist of several parallel high-currentconductor paths 11 or signal conductor paths 11′ arranged on a flexiblesupport body 10. The flexible support body 10 which consists of plasticthereby completely surrounds the conductors 11, 11′. In addition to thefixing points 3′ for fixing the relevant conductor arrangement 1 on thesupporting element 2, openings 31 are also provided for fixing to enablein particular pre-fixing and adjustment of the conductor arrangement 1relative to the supporting element 2.

The development of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 10 a and 10 bshows at the fixing points an additional fixing plate 5 which hasmaterial properties suitable for joining. In FIG. 10 a the fixing point3′ is formed from the supporting element 2, the flexible support 10 ofthe conductor arrangement 1 and the additional plate 5. The embodimentof FIG. 10 b differs in that a fixing web 12 is used in place of theflexible support for forming a fixing point. In the middle of the flatconductor 1, as can be seen in FIG. 2 b, a fixing web 12 runs on eitherside parallel to the conductor paths 11. The fixing web 12, like theconductor paths 11, is made of metal but as opposed to the conductorpaths 11 does not serve for the electrical conduction of current orsignals but rather solely for fixing the flat conductor 1 on thesupporting element 2 at a number of fixing points 3′.

The additional plate 5 which is made of plastic, metal or other joinablematerial, has in addition to the function of fixing the conductorarrangement 1 on the supporting element 2 preferably an additionalelement 5′ serving a further function, for example as a holder forpre-fixing or positioning a function unit or as a bearing for a gearingunit.

As a result of the additional plate 5 which is used in FIG. 10 a, afixing web 12, as provided according to FIG. 10 b, is not required sincethe necessary strength of the connection can be guaranteed as a resultof pairing the additional plate 5 with the supporting element 2. Theflexible support 10 is in this embodiment pressed in between theadditional plate 5 and the supporting element 2.

FIGS. 10 c and 10 d each show a section of FIG. 10 b. The fixing points3′ are each formed by interengaging material sections 13, 23, 51 of afixing web 12, the supporting element 2, and the additional plate 5,respectively. The fixing sections 12, 23, 51 are each basicallypot-shaped deformations of the material of the fixing web 12, thesupporting element 2 and the additional plate 5. According to FIG. 10 cthe fixing section 51 of the additional plate 5 engages behind anundercut section of the fixing web 12 which in turn engages behind anundercut section of the supporting element 2.

FIGS. 10 e and 10 f show in an analogy with FIG. 9 b the use of astamped rivet 4 for producing the connection between the componentparts. The load bearing capacity of the fixing is in turn increased byusing an additional plate 5. FIGS. 10 e and 10 f thereby show fixingpoints 3′ with different joining directions, namely one from the side ofthe additional plate 5 (FIG. 10 e) mounted on the conductor arrangement(on the fixing web 12) and one from the side of the supporting element 2(FIG. 10 f).

FIG. 11 shows a cross-section through a conductor arrangement in theform of a flat conductor 1 with several conductor paths 11 and a fixingweb 12 which is fixed by means of a welding point S on a supportingelement 2 of a motor vehicle. The plastics support 10 of the flatconductor 1 is thereby designed so that it does not extend underneaththe fixing web 12 so that the fixing web 12 can be welded directly tothe supporting element 2. Various welding techniques for producing thewelding point S can be considered, in particular ultra sound welding andlaser beam welding.

The solution according to the invention was described above by way ofexample in several embodiments using a conductor arrangement 1 which isa so-called flat or foil conductor which comprises several flatconductor paths mounted on a plastic support or in a plastic casing. Thesolution according to the invention can however also be used on otherconductor arrangements such as e.g. on flexible conductor plates whichare printed with conductor paths, laminated foil conductors, or extrudedflat conductors.

The arrangements described above, which describe use in motor vehiclesby way of example, can also be used in the same way in any other device,e.g. in household appliances, electrical machines, tools or otherapparatus. This is because the design of the connection between thecomponent parts according to the invention is independent of the deviceor appliance for which the element supporting the conductor arrangementis intended.

1. A motor vehicle sub-assembly comprising a supporting element, a flatconductor arrangement fixed on the supporting element and serving tosupply current to electrical components of a vehicle or to send signals,wherein the flat conductor arrangement comprises a plurality ofsubstantially parallel conductors mounted by a flexible support bodythat supports the conductors; wherein the plurality of substantiallyparallel conductors are insulated from each other by the flexiblesupport body; and wherein at least one fixing section of the conductorarrangement and an associated fixing section of the supporting elementare plastically deformed so that the one fixing section engages in anundercut section of the other fixing section, the at least one fixingsection of the conductor arrangement comprising a conductor path of atleast one of the conductors.
 2. A motor vehicle sub-assembly accordingto claim 1 wherein the fixing sections engage in each other withoutforming a through opening.
 3. A motor vehicle sub-assembly according toclaim 1 or 2 wherein the at least one fixing section of the conductorarrangement and the associated fixing section of the supporting elementare arranged so that the fixing section of the supporting elementengages in the fixing section of the conductor arrangement so that thefixing section of the conductor arrangement engages at least in partaround the fixing section of the supporting element.
 4. A motor vehiclesub-assembly according to claim 1 wherein the at least one fixingsection of the conductor arrangement, the associated fixing section ofthe supporting element and a fixing section of an additional element arearranged so that the three fixing sections engage in each other.
 5. Amotor vehicle sub-assembly comprising a supporting element and aconductor arrangement fixed on the supporting element and serving tosupply current to electrical components of a vehicle or to send signals,wherein at least one fixing section of the conductor arrangement and anassociated fixing section of the supporting element are plasticallydeformed so that the one fixing section engages in an undercut sectionof the other fixing section; wherein at least one fixing section of theconductor arrangement, an associated fixing section of the supportingelement and a fixing section of an additional element are arranged sothat the three fixing sections engage in each other; wherein theadditional element serves a multi-function as a mechanical element of afunction unit.
 6. A motor vehicle sub-assembly comprising a supportingelement and a conductor arrangement fixed on the supporting element andserving to supply current to electrical components of a vehicle or tosend signals, wherein at least one fixing section of the conductorarrangement and an associated fixing section of the supporting elementare plastically deformed so that the one fixing section engages in anundercut section of the other fixing section; wherein at least onefixing section of the conductor arrangement, an associated fixingsection of the supporting element and a fixing section of an additionalelement are arranged so that the three fixing sections engage in eachother; wherein the additional element serves additionally as fixing hookfor a door element.
 7. A motor vehicle sub-assembly comprising asupporting element and a conductor arrangement fixed on the supportingelement and serving to supply current to electrical components of avehicle or to send signals, wherein at least one fixing section of theconductor arrangement and an associated fixing section of the supportingelement are plastically deformed so that the one fixing section engagesin an undercut section of the other fixing section; wherein at least onefixing section of the conductor arrangement, an associated fixingsection of the supporting element and a fixing section of an additionalelement are arranged so that the three fixing sections engage in eachother; wherein the additional element serves additionally as a holderfor fixing a cable.
 8. A motor vehicle sub-assembly comprising asupporting element and a conductor arrangement fixed on the supportingelement and serving to supply current to electrical components of avehicle or to send signals, wherein at least one fixing section of theconductor arrangement and an associated fixing section of the supportingelement are plastically deformed so that the one fixing section engagesin an undercut section of the other fixing section; wherein at least onefixing section of the conductor arrangement, an associated fixingsection of the supporting element and a fixing section of an additionalelement are arranged so that the three fixing sections engage in eachother wherein the additional element serves additionally as a holding orfixing element for a housing of a function unit.
 9. A motor vehiclesub-assembly according to claim 1 wherein the conductor arrangement isfixed on the supporting element at a number of fixing points.
 10. Amotor vehicle sub-assembly according to claim 1 wherein the conductorarrangement is connected to the supporting element by at least onefixing point by means of forced joining.
 11. A motor vehiclesub-assembly according to claim 1 wherein the conductor arrangement isconnected to the supporting element by at least one fixing point bymeans of a stamped rivet.
 12. A motor vehicle sub-assembly according toclaim 11 wherein the stamped rivet engages at the fixing point into thetwo fixing sections without passing through one of the fixing sections.13. A motor vehicle sub-assembly according to claim 11 or 12 wherein thestamped rivet is spread out so that it engages behind at least one ofthe fixing sections.
 14. A motor vehicle sub-assembly according to claim1 wherein the conductor arrangement has at least one fixing web whichextends next to the conductor paths of the conductor arrangement andwhich forms at least one fixing section of the conductor arrangement.15. A motor vehicle sub-assembly according to claim 1 wherein at leastone fixing section of the conductor arrangement is formed by a conductorpath of the conductor arrangement.
 16. A motor vehicle sub-assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein at least one fixing section of theconductor arrangement is formed by the flexible support body of theconductor arrangement.
 17. A motor vehicle sub-assembly according toclaim 1 wherein at least one fixing section of the conductor arrangementis insulated from the supporting element.
 18. A motor vehiclesub-assembly according to claim 17 wherein insulation is provided on theconductor arrangement.
 19. A motor vehicle sub-assembly according toclaim 17 wherein insulation is provided on the supporting element.
 20. Amotor vehicle sub-assembly comprising a supporting element, a conductorarrangement fixed on the supporting element and serving to supplycurrent to electrical components of a vehicle or to send signals, andwherein the conductor arrangement comprises a plurality of conductors;wherein a portion of at least one of the conductors of the conductorarrangement and an associated fixing section of the supporting elementare plastically deformed so that the portion of the at least one of theconductors engages in an undercut section of the associated fixingsection.
 21. A motor vehicle sub-assembly according to claim 1 whereinthe one fixing section of the conductor arrangement and the associatedfixing section of the supporting element are plastically deformed awayfrom the flexible support body.
 22. A motor vehicle sub-assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein the one fixing section of the conductorarrangement and the associated fixing section of the supporting elementare plastically deformed in a manner so that no two of the plurality ofsubstantially parallel conductors are plastically deformed with eachother.
 23. A motor vehicle sub-assembly according to claim 1 wherein thesupporting element is for supporting the parallel conductors in a firstdirection and wherein the flexible support body is for supporting theparallel conductors in a second direction perpendicular to the firstdirection.
 24. A motor vehicle sub-assembly according to claim 10wherein the means of forced joining includes a heating device.
 25. Amethod for fixing a flat conduction arrangement to a supporting elementof a motor vehicle sub-assembly, the method comprising: mounting aplurality of substantially parallel conductors with a flexible supportbody to form a flat conductor arrangement; placing the flat conductorarrangement on the supporting element of the motor vehicle sub-assemblyto support the substantially parallel conductors in a first direction;and plastically deforming a portion of at least one of the conductors ofthe conductor arrangement and an associated fixing section of thesupporting element to fix the portion of the at least one of theconductors to an undercut section of the associated fixing section,wherein the flexible support body further supports the substantiallyparallel conductors in a second direction perpendicular to the firstdirection, and wherein the plurality of substantially parallelconductors are insulated from each other by the flexible support body.26. The method of claim 25 wherein, during the plastically deforming ofthe portion of the at least one of the conductors of the conductorarrangement and the associated fixing section of the supporting element,no two of the plurality of substantially parallel conductors areplastically deformed with each other.